proud owner

I am now the proud owner of this good lookin' bike.

It's a Gary Fisher with Rock Shox. Don't be jealous.

forearm of steel

I've been bugging Scott lately to teach me how to play racquetball. We finally went for the first time last night.

I agreed to playing this sport without really knowing what I was getting myself into. A few of the hazards include: dodging loose balls, running head-first into metal walls, hyperextension of every muscle, etc.

I muscled through the lessons and it really is quite a fun game. You should see my sweet moves.

But as my alarm went off this morning, I could feel something was off. I went to the gym this morning, and as I ran, my right arm was just too tired to stay at a 90 degree angle to my side. This was odd. Then I went over to the regular arm weights that I do. My little forarm was struggling to push the bar forward.

I thought that this was the end of my troubles. I soon found it difficult to perform mundane, everyday tasks, including: applying mascara, controlling a computer mouse, typing, stapling (I can handle stapling two pages together, but three was out of the question).

Now my arm doesn't hurt, but it just feels utterly spent and wants to rest from all its cares today. I was told that I need to go on an all-tuna protein diet to build some muscle. But I have been working out and eating an increased amount of protein - I guess I really just need to step it up a notch!

only in dreams

I made an observation the other day that I didn't really like.

Two items of background information:

1. I love traveling. I wish I could quit my day job and school and travel the world. I am fascinated by different areas of the world. Unfortunately, IHC and UVU have me in their icy clutches with no light at the end of the tunnel. The things I do to further my already advanced intelligence.

2. I rarely remember my dreams. The parts I do remember are usually random fragments that are typically forgotten by the time I drive to work in the morning.

I've noticed a pattern in the dreams that I actually do remember. They usually take place in an airport.

While dreaming, time and time again I find myself so excited for a trip that I am taking. Common things I say are, "Wow, I am finally making it to New York." or "Man, I've missed Kauai. I am so glad to go back."

And then the same thing always happens - I never make it to my destination. Either the flight has been cancelled. Or I really don't have the money I thought I did. Or I just wake up before takeoff. It doesn't matter; I never end up getting there.

I always wake up frustrated that even my dreams won't allow me to get away. Is this some kind of sick joke someone is playing on me? I can just hear someone taunting me in the back of my mind. Maaahaaa Tawny. You can't go on vacations now. You can't even go while dreaming.

I foolishly looked up ticket prices to Kauai last week. I found a great deal to Honolulu at the end of April for $489. I sat there and stared at the flights. I was one click away from "Purchase" until my reality-laden mind took over.

I need a vacation. That leaves the airport.